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General Information

London offers one of the largest bus networks in the world, with more than 9,300 vehicles in their fleet. London bus service Ltd plans routes, specifies service levels and monitors service quality. It is also responsible for around 50 bus stations and more than 19,000 bus stops.

London Bus Information

The Central London Bus Map will be sufficient for most travellers.
This map is available from TfL Visitor and Travel Information Centres or to download from www.tfl.gov.uk

Night Buses in London

If you're not familiar with the routes, head to Trafalgar Square (the hub for night buses) or check any bus-stop information board.
As you'd expect, services are less frequent during the night. Night buses stop on request only: so you'll need to indicate your stop clearly to the driver when boarding or alighting.

FARES & TICKETS

You can travel on buses using the pay as you go option on your oyster card or by using contactless payment cards from just £1.50 per journey no matter how far you are travelling. If you are only using busses and trams to travel around London, you will pay a maximum of £4.50 per day.
You can also travel on all busses in London if you have a travel pass; or bus or tram pass on your oyster; paper day travel card; or a one-day bus or tram pass. You cannot use cash to pay for bus travels.

HOW TO TOP UP & USE YOUR OYSTER CARD?

You can top up your oyster card at any oyster ticket shop (check with individual traders as local arrangements apply and each shop will be marked with the oyster ticket stop logo), and also at ticket machines at Tube, DLR, London Overground, TFL Rail and National Rail Stations.
To top up your oyster card in the Tube station, you must find the ticket machine inside and complete the following:
(Choose what language you would like the top up instructions to be displayed in).

STEP 1

Tap your oyster on the yellow card reader.

STEP 1

STEP 2

Your current balance will appear, and then choose the amount you wish to top up. If the amount isn’t on the screen press on ‘other amount’, then you can insert however much you wish.

STEP 2

STEP 3

You can pay via debit or credit card (using the card machine); or insert notes or coins at the side of the machine.

STEP 3

STEP 4

Finally, you will be asked to tap your oyster card one last time on the yellow card reader and the new amount should appear on the screen.

STEP 4

OTHER INFORMATION

You must then proceed to the bus stop. Some bus stops have a display screen showing the times of the busses and when they will be arriving.
To use your oyster card on the bus you must tap it on the yellow card reader only once as you enter and that is all that is required. You do not need to tap again before leaving the bus as each ride costs the same amount no matter how far you are travelling.